verb (used with object), shelved, shelv·ing.
- to place (something) on a shelf or shelves.
- to put off or aside from consideration: to shelve the question.
- to remove from active use or service; dismiss.
- to furnish with shelves.
verb (used without object), shelved, shelv·ing.
- to slope gradually.
verb (tr)
- to place on a shelf
- to provide with shelves
- to put aside or postpone from consideration
- to dismiss or cause to retire
verb
- (intr) to slope away gradually; incline
v.11590s, “to overhang,” also “to provide with shelves,” probably a back-formation from shelves, plural of shelf (n.1). Meaning “put on a shelf” first recorded 1650s; metaphoric sense of “lay aside, dismiss” is from 1812. Related: Shelved; shelving. v.2“to slope gradually,” 1610s, from Middle English shelven “to slope,” from shelfe “grassy slope,” a word related to shelf (n.1). Related: Shelved; shelving.